The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) in Southern California is taking a meaningful step in achieving its sustainability goals by adding solar canopies at 21 of its schools.
Standard Solar is funding and will own and operate the portfolio of more than 4 MW of solar canopy systems. The project was developed in partnership with EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems. Of the 21 school sites, 14 of them are now operational. The remaining will be completed by October.
“Standard Solar applauds the Long Beach Unified School District for taking this important step to reduce its impact on the environment,” said Shaun Laughlin, Standard Solar’s head of U.S. Strategic Development, Partnerships, Project Finance and Acquisitions. “Adding these projects to our ownership portfolio directly supports our efforts to increase our deployed capital in the West.”
The canopy systems will help reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect often generated in dense, urban areas such as those in the district.
A UHI is an urban area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. The solar canopies can minimize summertime peak energy demand, air-conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions.
“Clean energy is an essential part of our district-wide sustainability efforts. Our partnership with Standard Solar will help reduce our carbon footprint while saving the district millions of dollars over the 25-year agreement,” said Alan Long Beach Unified School District Business Services Administrator Alan Reising.
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems is a mechanical and energy services company with operations throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada and is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group.
“EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems is thrilled to be part of the 21 solar projects for the Long Beach Unified School District as the installing contractor,” said Robert Lake, president, EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems. “In addition to generating power from a sustainable renewable energy source, the canopies will provide shaded areas for the students. We applaud LBUSD for their vision in implementing this aggressive project that will provide lower-cost, clean power for years to come.”
